If you’re on the hunt for a chicken breed that’s as stunning to look at as it is easy to care for, let me introduce you to the Blue Laced Gold Wyandotte. With golden feathers edged in soft blue, they bring beauty to any backyard.
These chickens aren’t just about their good looks, though. They’re known for their toughness and ability to tolerate a variety of weather conditions, and they’re pretty good egg layers as well.
In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about the Blue Laced Gold Wyandotte, from their care needs to why they might just be the perfect addition to your coop. Let’s start!
Blue Laced Gold Wyandotte Quick Facts
| Origin: | United States |
| Breed Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Weight: | Roosters: 6–7 lbs (2.7–3.1 kg); Hens: 5–6 lbs (2.2–2.7 kg) |
| Temperament: | Friendly, docile, calm |
| Colors: | Golden or buff with blue lacing |
| Egg Production: | 200–240 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Light brown, cream |
| Egg Size: | Medium |
| Broodiness: | Moderate to high |
| Cold Tolerance: | High |
| Heat Tolerance: | Moderate |
| Lifespan: | 6–12 years |
| Unique Features: | Blue-laced feathers |
| Beginner Friendly: | Yes |
What Is a Blue Laced Gold Wyandotte?
The Blue Laced Gold Wyandotte is one of the rarer varieties of the Wyandotte chicken breed, distinguished by its golden or buff base color and beautiful blue lacing on the feathers.
These chickens are prized for their unique looks, friendly nature, and practicality in both egg and meat production.
Despite their growing popularity among poultry enthusiasts, this color variety remains unofficially recognized in the poultry world, adding to its exclusivity and appeal.
Known for their hardiness, these chickens adapt well to various climates. They also lay a good number of eggs and are easy to get along with, which makes them a great addition to any backyard flock.
Blue Laced Gold Wyandotte vs. Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes and Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are both varieties of the Wyandotte chicken breed, but what really sets them apart is their color.
Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes have a stunning golden or buff base color, with each feather edged in a gorgeous blue lace pattern.
This combination gives them a distinct and eye-catching appearance, making them a favorite among poultry enthusiasts.
On the other hand, Blue Laced Red Wyandottes feature a base color that leans more towards red or mahogany, but they also have the same beautiful blue edging.
This breed carries the mahogany gene, which gives them their deep red base color. Because of this rich coloration, they’re highly sought after and are considered to be rarer than their gold counterpart.
Breed Origin and History
The Blue Laced Gold Wyandotte is a newer member of the Wyandotte chicken family, with not much detailed history about its specific development.
However, the broader Wyandotte breed has a well-documented history that dates back to the 1870s in the United States.
The original Wyandotte, the Silver Laced variety, was developed through the crossing of several other breeds, including Dark Brahmas and Silver Spangled Hamburgs.
Named after the Wyandotte Native American tribe, this breed was intended to be a dual-purpose bird, valued for both meat and eggs, as well as its cold-hardiness.
The Wyandotte breed has since gained popularity worldwide for its beauty, hardiness, and versatility, leading to the development of many different color varieties.
The Blue Laced Gold variety, in particular, is believed to have been developed by breeders in New York, aiming to introduce a visually stunning color pattern to the already popular breed.
Physical Characteristics
Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes are really something special to look at. They’ve got feathers that are a mix of gold and light brown, and the edges of these feathers have this grayish-blue lacing that makes them stand out.
Their legs have no feathers and are yellow in color, matching that of their beaks. These birds also feature a rose comb, which is small and sits close to their heads.
This type of comb is characteristic of the Wyandotte breed and is particularly suited to colder climates as it’s less prone to frostbite compared to larger, more protruding combs.
In terms of size and weight, Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes are considered medium to large-sized birds. Roosters typically weigh around 6 to 7 pounds, while hens are slightly lighter, averaging around 5 to 6 pounds.
This size makes them one of the best meat chicken breeds, as they offer a substantial amount of meat due to their build.
Meanwhile, if you’d like to see how these birds look in real life, check out this video:
Temperament and Noise Levels
Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes are known for their calm and easygoing temperament. They’re the kind of chickens that bring a peaceful vibe to any flock, which makes them a great choice for backyard chicken keepers.
These birds are not overly demanding for attention, but they do have a presence that’s hard to ignore. They’re independent, yet they can be quite sociable with both humans and other chickens.
When it comes to noise levels, Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes are on the quieter side compared to other chicken breeds. They do make some noise, as all chickens do, but they’re not likely to disturb the neighbors.
They have a gentle cluck and might get a bit louder if they need to, like when they’re alerting others to food or if they feel crowded. But for the most part, they’re not big talkers.
Egg Production and Broodiness
Typically laying around 200 to 240 eggs per year, Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes are known for their solid egg production.
Their eggs are medium-sized and come in shades of light brown to cream, adding a lovely variety to your egg basket.
While they’re not the top egg layers in the chicken world, their consistent laying pattern ensures a steady supply of eggs for most of the year.
When it comes to broodiness, Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes have a moderate tendency to sit on their eggs and hatch them. If you’re into raising chicks, that’s great news because these hens can be excellent mothers.
However, for those focused solely on egg production, this broodiness might require some management to keep the eggs coming.
Lifespan and Health Issues
Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes generally have a good lifespan and can live anywhere from 6 to 12 years with proper care. They’re known for being hardy and can tolerate cold climates well, thanks to their thick feathers.
However, like all chicken breeds, they can face certain health problems. These may include respiratory infections, infestations of parasites like mites and lice, and occasional crop issues such as impacted or sour crop.
Fortunately, many of these issues can be prevented or treated early with regular health checks, a clean coop, and a balanced diet.
Pro Tip: Enhance the health of your Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes by adding herbs like oregano, thyme, parsley, and garlic to their diet. These herbs act as immune system boosters, natural antibiotics, and laying stimulants.
Simply mix chopped or powdered herbs into their feed or offer them fresh as a supplement.
Blue Laced Gold Wyandotte Care Guide
Taking care of Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes isn’t too hard, and it’s definitely worth it for these gorgeous chickens. Here’s a simple guide to help you keep them happy and healthy.
Feeding and Nutrition
Taking care of your Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes starts with what you feed them. These chickens thrive on a balanced diet that supports their dual-purpose nature.
For baby chicks, start with a high-protein starter feed, with at least 20% protein, to help them grow up healthy and strong.
When they get older, transition them to a layer feed that contains 16% to 18% protein to ensure they have the nutrients needed for consistent egg production.
In addition to commercial feed, Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes also benefit from a variety of foods.
I personally own a flock of these lovely birds and have found that incorporating fresh greens, apple slices, and occasional treats like dried mealworms into their diet really makes a difference.
They’re more active, their feathers seem brighter, and their egg production has been consistently high. It’s a simple joy watching them forage and enjoy these healthy snacks.
Furthermore, calcium is crucial for eggshell strength, so offering free-choice oyster shells is a good practice. It’s a simple way to make sure your hens get enough calcium without messing up their main diet.
Housing and Shelter
A spacious and secure coop is essential for Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes. They need about 2 to 3 square feet of space per chicken inside the coop and lots more space outside to roam around.
When it comes to nesting, these chickens need nesting boxes that are about 12x12x18 inches. This size ensures they have enough room to lay their eggs comfortably.
To encourage egg-laying, place the nesting boxes in a quiet, darker area of the coop. Ensure they are elevated off the ground but still accessible to the hens.
For roosting, each chicken should have about 8 to 10 inches of space on a roost bar that is 2 to 3 inches wide. The roost should be positioned higher than the nesting boxes to discourage sleeping in the nests.
It should also be sturdy, stable, and have a smooth surface to prevent foot injuries and issues like bumblefoot.
Temperature and Lighting
Thanks to their fluffy feathers and small combs, Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes are renowned for being cold-hardy.
They can withstand cold temperatures well, but it’s important to keep the coop dry and free from drafts in winter. In hot weather, ensure they have shade and plenty of water to prevent overheating.
Regarding lighting, these chickens need about 14 to 16 hours of light per day to maintain consistent egg production. Use artificial lighting in the coop if natural daylight is insufficient, especially during winter.
How Much Does a Blue Laced Gold Wyandotte Cost?
Prices of Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes vary depending on where you get them and the age and gender of the chickens. For straight-run chicks, which are not sexed, prices can range from $4 to $5 each.
If you’re looking for females, the price generally starts at $6 and can go up to $50 or more for older birds. Meanwhile, males tend to be a bit cheaper, with prices ranging from $3 to $4 each.
For those interested in buying Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes, several reputable hatcheries and online sites offer them.
Hatcheries like Hoover’s Hatchery and stores such as Tractor Supply and Spike & Houles offer them for sale. SeaBreeze Hens also lists these chickens, offering a range of ages and prices.
When looking to buy, it’s also worth checking out local farms or poultry shows, as they might offer competitive prices or even adult birds that are already laying eggs.
Pro Tip: Some suppliers might offer discounts on larger orders, so if you’re looking to establish or expand your flock, it’s wise to inquire about any available bulk pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Colors Do Wyandotte Chickens Have?
Wyandotte chickens come in nine officially recognized colors, including Silver Laced, Golden Laced, White, Black, Buff, Partridge, Silver Penciled, Columbian, and Blue.
However, there are also several unrecognized color varieties, such as Blue Laced Gold, Blue Laced Red, Chocolate, Lavender, and Splash, among many others.
Are Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes Rare?
Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes are not as common as some other Wyandotte varieties, but they’re not considered extremely rare. You can still find them through breeders and at various hatcheries without too much trouble.
What Is the Rarest Wyandotte Color?
The White Wyandotte is considered the rarest color variety among Wyandottes.
Unlike the more common laced and colorful patterns, these chickens are entirely white, which makes them a unique and less common member of the Wyandotte family.
Have you ever raised Blue Laced Gold Wyandottes, or are you planning to? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below; we’d love to hear about your journey with these lovely birds.
